Capernaum
"Capernaum" is a powerful and heartbreaking movie that takes a searing look at the plight of poverty and desperation through the eyes of a young boy named Zain. Directed by Nadine Labaki, the film follows Zain as he struggles to survive on the streets of Beirut, Lebanon, and eventually finds himself in jail for a violent crime.
The movie opens with Zain (Zain Al Rafeea) being taken to court to sue his parents for bringing him into the world without being able to provide for him. The scene sets the tone for the film, as we see a young boy who has been forced to grow up too quickly and is already disillusioned with the world. The film then flashes back to show us how Zain ended up in this situation.
We learn that Zain comes from a large, poor family and is often left to care for his younger siblings while his parents work odd jobs. When his parents sell his 11-year-old sister to their landlord in exchange for rent, Zain runs away from home and finds himself living on the streets. There, he meets Rahil (Yordanos Shiferaw), an Ethiopian immigrant who is also struggling to make ends meet. Rahil takes Zain in and cares for him, but when she is suddenly arrested and deported, Zain is left alone once again.
Desperate and alone, Zain befriends a young toddler named Yonas (Boluwatife Treasure Bankole) who is also living on the streets. Zain takes care of Yonas and the two form a bond that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. As they struggle to survive together, Zain becomes increasingly angry and frustrated with the world around him. When Yonas is taken away from him, Zain decides to take matters into his own hands and commits a violent crime that lands him in jail.
Throughout the film, Labaki uses a combination of professional actors and non-professional actors, many of whom are refugees themselves, to create a gritty and realistic portrayal of life on the streets. The performances are raw and authentic, particularly that of Zain Al Rafeea, who delivers a stunning performance as the young protagonist. He captures the pain, anger, and resilience of a child forced to grow up too fast, and his natural charisma makes him a compelling presence on screen.
The cinematography is also stunning, capturing the chaotic and colorful streets of Beirut with a sense of urgency and intimacy. The camera work often stays close to the characters, giving us a sense of their physical and emotional struggles. The use of natural light and handheld camera work also adds to the film's realism, making it feel like a documentary at times.
What makes "Capernaum" so powerful is its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its effects on children. The film forces us to confront the harsh realities of a world where children are forced to beg, work, and steal to survive. It also sheds light on the plight of refugees and the often brutal treatment they receive in their host countries. The film does not offer easy answers or solutions, but it does ask us to acknowledge the humanity of those who are often overlooked or forgotten.
Overall, "Capernaum" is a moving and powerful film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a difficult watch at times, but it's also a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. Nadine Labaki has crafted a masterpiece that is both heart-wrenching and deeply human, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the social issues of poverty, immigration, and childhood.
The total score is
"Capernaum" has received critical acclaim and has a high score on review aggregator websites such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 90% based on 179 reviews, with an average rating of 8.1/10. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 75 out of 100 based on 32 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Ultimately, the evaluation of the film's quality is subjective and may vary from person to person.
A movie with a similar atmosphere
If you enjoyed "Capernaum" and are looking for similar movies that explore social issues and feature child protagonists, I would recommend the following films:
"Beasts of the Southern Wild" (2012) directed by Benh Zeitlin - This film tells the story of a young girl named Hushpuppy who lives in a remote bayou community in Louisiana. She must learn to fend for herself and confront the harsh realities of her environment when a powerful storm threatens her home. The film explores themes of poverty, environmentalism, and community.
"Lion" (2016) directed by Garth Davis - This film tells the true story of Saroo, a young boy who gets separated from his family in India and is adopted by an Australian couple. As an adult, Saroo embarks on a search to find his birth family and confronts the trauma of his childhood experiences. The film explores themes of identity, family, and loss.
"The Florida Project" (2017) directed by Sean Baker - This film follows a precocious six-year-old girl named Moonee who lives with her young mother in a run-down motel in Orlando, Florida. Despite the struggles of poverty, Moonee maintains a sense of wonder and adventure in her daily life. The film explores themes of childhood, poverty, and resilience.
I hope these recommendations are helpful, and that you enjoy exploring these films!
